As one of the UK’s largest industry events, we were amongst a real mix of businesses and individuals from across the digital, direct, data, CRM and social media sectors. We managed to catch up with a few familiar faces and met some new acquaintances too...
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After a wander around and a quick coffee, first up was the Manchester Digital’s Cartologie panel debate. Led by Richard Hudson, Chair of Cartologie Network; panellists included Steven Whitehead, Group Commercial Director at The Hut Group; Alan Williamson, Head of eCommerce at Thomas Cook Scheduled Businesses; and last but not least, Rob Smith, Director of Strategy at Blueleaf.
During the debate, the three industry professionals shared their thoughts on the North West’s reputation as a leading location to build an eCommerce business, and went on to explain ways in which we can continue to keep this status as a region. Although there were a few technical issues at the beginning of the session which involved a bit of shouting and re-shuffling around the room, it was a positive debate and very interesting to hear their predictions of what’s to come.
Following this session we had another meander around the conference hall, checking out the stands and meeting with people we’d been tweeting throughout the morning. In a big venue like Manchester Central, social media like Twitter and Foursquare prove a big help in meeting up with other attendees you know, as well as helping know who to look out for.
After some new introductions and catch-ups, Joe from the Orchard team ventured over to the ‘Forget Social Media’ session, which was chaired by Mike Cornwell, CEO of The Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing (IDM). This seminar focused on the importance of traditional marketing, highlighting how similar it actually is to the new digital age. Matt Camps, Digital Strategist at The IDM; Katrina Gallagher, Managing Director at Digitangle; and Suzanne Kay, Regional Manager at the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), discussed how it’s important for us to keep aspects of our basic digital strategy, however we must work smarter by keeping up-to-date with any key changes. Although it was ironic that a session about ‘forgetting social media’ involved Q&As entirely on this topic, overall, Joe found this seminar very insightful and stimulating.
Other than the typical Manchester rain and our Managing Director, Mike Carter causing a minor rebuild of our friends at Manchester Digital’s stand, we had a great day and are already looking forward to next year!